AUBURN, Ala. (AP) Flush with a new long-term deal, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn likes where his program stands long-term and where the Tigers are headed in the near future.

Malzahn's seventh-ranked Tigers are set to begin preparation Friday for the Peach Bowl against No. 10 UCF (12-0, No. 12 College Football Playoffs) in their second straight New Year's Day bowl game. He got a seven-year deal after being courted by Arkansas, his home state team, and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is also expected to stay put after interviewing for the head coaching job at Tennessee.